Author ｜
Lee Long-shien
Abstract ｜
The main thesis of this paper reexamines the image of Confucius in Daoist classics Zhuangzi and Liezi, trying to explore its alternative interpretation and application other than the traditional Confucian standpoints. About the writing strategy, firstly, this paper collates and clarifies the tendency and viewpoints from the antecedent researches of this field, on which it then points out some specific issues to be expounded, such as the significance of especting/repressing Confucius in the history of thought, the negative/positive images according to the relationships of Confucianism and Daoism, and the long-term neglect of discussion on Liezi. Secondly, this paper analyzes three types of the image of Confucius in Zhuangzi, declaring that the author intended to exaggerate, draw metaphors, and transform the image of Confucius to apply his own concerns. Thirdly, this paper discusses the image of Confucius in Liezi compared with that in Zhuangzi, yet which does not transcend the general understanding of its (Pre-Qin) period. Finally, this paper concludes the characteristics and significance of the image of Confucius in Zhuangzi and Liezi.
keywords ｜
Zhuangzi, Liezi, the image of Confucius, Narrative